Grow a garden filled with Italian Large Leaf Basil herbs, from freshly harvested Ocimum basilicum seeds. Italian Large Leaf is a delicious variety of Basil, which produces large, green leaves. The leaves are about the size of your palm, and are loaded with flavor and fragrance as well. The plants of Italian Large Leaf Basil will grow to a mature height of roughly 12 to 24 inches tall, and can spread 12 to 15 inches wide. The short, bushy like growth habit makes Italian Large Leaf Basil a perfect selection to accompany many vegetable plants, directly in the garden. It is also popularly planted in larger pots and containers, for harvesting later on as well.
Italian Large Leaf Basil, like most Basil, is an annual herb. Annuals such as this will grow quickly, producing leaves, flowers and seeds, all within a single growing season. If and when the herb plants bolt, (go to seed) you can begin collecting fresh Basil seeds to regrow the following year. Italian Large Leaf Basil is ready for harvest in roughly 75 to 80 days.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Annual
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Green
- Height: 12″ – 24″ Tall
- Width: 12″ to 15″ Spread
- Harvest: 80 Days
- Uses: Culinary
- Environment: Full sun
Sowing The Seed
Basil can be grown indoors or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/8” under topsoil so that direct light can reach them. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm & all danger of frost passes. Check below for spacing and growth habits.
Growing Conditions
Basil will enjoy an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day, with temperatures of at least 65F or more. The soil should be rich in organic matter, but also well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a mist setting or other light water setting to avoid overwatering and/or disturbing the seeds.
Germination & Growth
Your Basil will begin to show life within as little as 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will display a bushy, compact formation, and can reach a mature height and width of 12 to 24 inches tall. Space each plant roughly 6 to 12 inches apart from one another. To promote the production of additional leaves, pluck the flower heads before the blooms open up. Cut the leaves to add flavoring in many culinary dishes.